About CPHST
The Center for Plant Health Science and Technology (CPHST), is the scientific support organization for the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) division of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). CPHST works to identify and evaluate pathways used by invasive plant pests and weeds that threaten American agriculture and natural resources; additionally, CPHST assesses the risks that these organisms pose to food, fiber, and the environment. By developing, adapting and supporting technology to detect, identify and mitigate the impact of significant exotic pests, CPHST helps to ensure that the methods, protocols, and equipment used by PPQ and field personnel allow for effective and efficient operation.
Currently, CPHST is comprised of 225 scientists, analysts and researchers at eight principle laboratories and four supporting units throughout the United States and Guatemala. The Office of the Director is headquartered on North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC.
The work of the CPHST staff can always be categorized as one of five National Science Programs.
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection and Port TechnologyMolecular Diagnostics and Biotechnology
Response and Recovery Systems Technology
Risk and Pathway Analysis
Survey, Detection and Identification